I am looking to buy a DSLR and can't decide between a new D3100 for $700 or a used D200 for $500-600 (body only as I have a lens). If I went with the D200, I would probably be able to outfit it with a better lens in the next year. Which would be preferable? I probably wouldn't get either until December. BTW what lens would be best for each on a $500 budget?

Last edited by IsaacNorge on Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

I will be buying a standard zoom for walk-around purposes, I was considering the 16-85mm, but it's expensive. There doesn't seem to be a lot of standard lenses in the $400-500 category. I am 14, so my income is somewhat limited. I am considering an 18-105mm.

Buying the D3100 + 18-105VR + 35/1.8 should give you a very decent start for a low budget. I would recommend the D200 only if you want to buy the older non AF-s lenses when starting with photography, have you considered the D90 too (not knowing $ price now)?

I have looked into the D90, and I would prefer it. The problem is that the D90 used runs at least $150 more than a used D200. I have held a D3000 and the grip is very small, they did improve the grip on the D3100, but I don't know how much beter it would feel to me. BTW will the 18-105mm resolve 14 megapixels?
I am also considering the Tamron 18-2XX lenses.

If you are worried about resolving power (optical image quality), then I can most certainly say the 18-2xx from Tamron wont easily satisfy. The 18-105VR is considered however a decent performer, as the "D90's kit lens". You can not expect miracles at consumer level, but the kit lenses will do a lot already. The 35/1.8 lens is a no-brainer for quality/price/usability But this thread is for the D3100, so if you want more info on lenses and bodies, I would recommend you to use a new topic.

The D3000 grip is way too small. I am also considering the D90 new. I am in the US so there are major sales after thanksgiving and if the D90 gets into the $600-700 range I might get it. If a D400 comes out, there may be many people upgrading from the D300 or D200 and selling. If so, I might get that.

After much consideration & advice on other threads about buying better lenses rather than the camera body, I think i've decided on the D3100 (subject to actually handling it) & was wondering whether to initially purchase the AF-S DX VR II 18-200mm f3.5/5.6G IF ED zoom, which will cover most needs for now, then add possibly the AF-D 24MM F2.8 in a couple of months, or is there a better combination of 2, or possibly 3 lenses to consider initially so as not make my 18-300 zoom redundant/wasted money.